LITHIUM IRON

What is lithium iron? For the past 100 years, car starter batteries have been made using lead-acid. Standard lithium-cobalt has been out for over a decade in cell phones, notebooks, and other portable devices but it is unsuitable for automotive use, because when abused, lithium-cobalt batteries can cause a chemical fire. Lithium-iron technology is a new and safer battery chemistry and is used in Voltphreaks batteries.

Besides being extremely powerful, a lithium-iron battery is not subject to the thermal runaway issues of a standard lithium-cobalt battery. We use lithium-cobalt batteries every day, in our cell phones, laptops, and PDAs. Although extremely rare, lithium-cobalt batteries, when abused, can combust in a chemical fire that cannot be put out with water or an extinguisher. Lithium-iron batteries, when abused, will vent but not combust, and if a lithium-iron battery does catch on fire, it can be extinguished, unlike a lithium-cobalt fire which burns until it is done.

All lithium batteries need a BMS (battery management system) system to function properly and for long life. Also, specialized charging profiles, and monitoring are required to avoid damage. Are these also required with the Voltphreaks battery? Yes and no. Yes in that they are required. No in that you never have to deal with this. You don't need any knowledge of BMS's or specialized monitoring equipment. All of these functions are built into the Voltphreaks battery itself, making a true "plug and drive" system. Your battery will install, start, drive, charge, and function just like any standard automotive lead-acid battery!